Persistence pays

For youngster and Rana lookalike Siddharth Naidu, getting a role in Baahubali 2 is a dream come true.

Siddharth Naidu

Like many young actors, Siddharth Naidu always hoped for at least a small part in SS Rajamouli’s magnum opus Baahubali. When the director first announced his project, Siddharth sent his profile to the makers. Although he was not selected for the film, Siddharth didn’t give up hope.

“I decided to try my level best and be a part of the film even if it meant a small role. Though part one released, I didn’t do away with my beard and long hair as I felt I may get a call from them,” says Siddharth. When part two of the film started, he met an associate director and gave his profile once again. “After a few days, I got a call from them that I was selected for a role. I can’t explain the joy of my wish coming true,” he says.

Siddharth reveals that he plays an important role in the film. “I have scenes with Prabhas, Rana and others. Though all the actors and technicians are very big, they never look at me as a newcomer," he says, adding, “Even Prabhas called me ‘darling’ like he calls everyone else,” he recalls.

It also helps that Siddharth is a lookalike of Rana Daggubati. “Many thought that I sent Rana’s photos to get a role, but it actually helped me get this role,” he says. He reveals that before the shooting began, he trained for a month in horse riding and sword fighting.

Siddharth is a science graduate from Eluru. “I wanted to join films after my graduation and tried my luck here,” he admits. He played a very small role in Sekhar Kammula's Anaamika which released a couple of years back. He plays a negative role in Puri Jagannadh’s upcoming film Rogue. Talking about his future film projects, he says, “A few people have approached me, but I decided to do those films once I complete Baahubali 2 as I can’t remove the beard and long hair.”